Autumn Budget 2026 key dates

The Autumn Budget is one of the most important events in the financial calendar. Any changes announced could affect your savings, investments, pensions and wider financial plans. 

This year's Budget is likely to attract even more attention than usual. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey have only recently taken office, making the Budget an early opportunity to set out how the new government's economic priorities will translate into policy. 

While we won't know the full details until Budget Day on 28 October, several key dates beforehand could offer valuable insight into the government's thinking and the economic backdrop against which decisions will be made.

Key dates ahead of the Autumn Budget 

13 August: UK economic growth figures 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish its first estimate of UK economic growth between April and June, alongside GDP figures for June. 

Economic growth is a key indicator of the country's financial health. Stronger growth can increase tax revenues and potentially give the Chancellor more flexibility when making spending and tax decisions. Weaker growth, on the other hand, may limit the options available. 

While these figures provide an important snapshot, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will produce its own assessment when it publishes its official forecast alongside the Budget. 

19 August: Inflation update 

The latest inflation figures will offer another important insight into the state of the UK economy. 

Inflation affects household budgets, government spending and expectations for future interest rate decisions. It's also a key factor when policymakers assess the overall economic outlook. 

Further inflation updates are scheduled for 16 September and 21 October, making them important dates for investors and savers to keep an eye on. 

9 September: Budget submissions close 

Organisations including businesses, charities and professional bodies can submit recommendations to the Treasury ahead of the Budget. The consultation period closes on 9 September. 

While these submissions don't determine government policy, they can highlight areas where industry groups believe reforms or support may be needed. 

16 September: Parliament enters conference recess 

The House of Commons is due to begin its conference recess on 16 September before returning on 12 October. 

As Parliament takes a break, much of the political discussion around economic policy is likely to shift to party conference events and public speeches. 

17 September: Bank of England interest rate decision 

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee will announce its latest decision on interest rates. 

Interest rates have a significant impact on borrowing costs, savings returns and investment markets. The accompanying commentary may also provide clues about policymakers' views on inflation and the wider economy. 

27 to 30 September: Labour Party Conference 

Labour's annual conference will take place in Liverpool. 

Speeches from both the Prime Minister and Chancellor are likely to provide some of the clearest signals yet about the government's priorities ahead of the Budget. 

While conference announcements do not always become Budget measures, investors and economists will be watching closely for indications of the government's economic agenda. 

1 October: Electricity VAT reduction begins 

The government's temporary removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills is due to take effect from 1 October and remain in place for the rest of the financial year. 

The measure was announced as support for households facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures and may offer an indication of the government's willingness to use targeted interventions before the Budget. 

12 October: Parliament returns 

When MPs return to Westminster, the countdown to Budget Day will be well underway. 

By this stage, many of the key policy decisions are likely to be moving through the final stages of the government's internal process and the OBR's forecasting cycle. 

20 and 21 October: Final major economic updates 

Two of the final major economic releases before the Budget arrive during the week before the Chancellor's speech. 

Labour market data is due on 20 October, followed by inflation figures and public finance statistics on 21 October. 

The public finance figures will be particularly important because they show how government borrowing and debt are evolving. However, the Chancellor's room for manoeuvre will ultimately depend on the OBR's latest forecasts. 

28 October: Budget Day 

The Autumn Budget will be delivered on Wednesday 28 October. 

Alongside the Chancellor's speech, the OBR will publish updated forecasts for economic growth, inflation, borrowing, debt and government revenues. 

The headline announcements often attract the most attention, but the accompanying Budget documents usually contain the detail that matters most, including when changes take effect and who is likely to be affected. 

Why could this Budget matter more than usual? 

Every Budget has the potential to affect personal finances, but this year's event could be particularly significant because it is the first major fiscal statement from the new government. 

Ministers have outlined ambitions to reshape the economy, boost regional growth and expand devolved decision-making across the UK. At the same time, the Chancellor has said the government will continue to operate within its fiscal rules and maintain a buffer against economic uncertainty. 

For investors and savers, the key question is how the government balances its ambitions with the realities of borrowing, inflation, economic growth and the public finances. 

As Budget Day approaches, the economic data and political signals released over the coming weeks may provide valuable clues about the direction of travel.